I am not sure what I expect every time I attend a show in the indie scene because the crowd never changes. Kids running around with fake IDs in their pockets while relishing their parents’ absence, local scenesters ten years their senior taking advantage of a free show, and a few well-dressed guys that heard indie chicks put out. It is a monotonous arena time after time. This is why I find solace in the performances of the variables such as Reptar and Hello Ocho who performed at Star Bar recently.

I arrived a few minutes before local Atlanta electro-rock pop trio Hello Ocho opened. Before the band took stage, their presence depicted by a montage of images and cartoons projected against the back wall of the club. We often see this with many psychedelic rock groups and I usually take it as a nod toward which intoxicants were favored during the writing process.

It did not take long into the performance to catch the vibe of Hello Ocho. The band very successfully utilized lounge jazz, 80’s Brit pop, post-punk, and experimental neo-psychedelia and forced it through a meat grinder. On the other end came a sausage whose unique piquancy was barely contained by the lining that was Hello Ocho. The tunes were upbeat, full of energy and well balanced. I expect to hear more from this band in the future and am looking forward to witnessing them expand in our community.

Next to hit the stage was the always well-received Reptar. It was a treat to catch this band outside of their native Athens, GA. They played all of their house party favorites such as “Houseboat Babies” and “Cannabis Canyon,” both of which were produced by Ben Allen (Animal Collective) on their 7” available through Make Records Not Bombs. Reptar’s post-disco dance rock made for an energy infused performance that had everyone shaking their tail feathers.

Reptar’s show was a perfect representation of the underground high school prom that we all wanted to exist in our teenage years. Their music was background to a flood of kids who avoided prom because they felt out of place in a tuxedo or dress, were too awkward to dance, or too timid to ask a date. Despite this, at a Reptar show the awkward kids reign, and the less rhythm in their appendages the better. Whether they were playing the living room of a hovel or the stage at Star Bar, Reptar gave off that intimate house party vibe that awarded the spectator a tingly feeling that something wonderful was happening. You can catch them back at Star Bar with Back Pockets on March 10.

My regrets to Future of Airports and Little Tybee for being unable to attend their incredibly late sets. Maybe another time.
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